How you prepare

Before you start peritoneal dialysis, you will receive training on what the procedure involves and how to use the equipment. Plus, you'll need an operation to insert the catheter — the thin, soft plastic tube that carries the dialysis solution in and out of your abdomen. You may receive local or general anesthetics for the surgical insertion procedure. Usually the surgeon places the tube near your bellybutton.

Your doctor will probably recommend waiting at least two weeks before starting treatment so that the catheter site has time to heal.

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